What you have linked to Algi, is a report suggesting that the K-5 shutter blur at medium speeds has been reduced to insiginficant levels with the K-5. This refers to blurring due to shutter vibration that was reported around 1/125s IIRC.

Thanks Algi. The inference of these tests is fine, but as always we need to look very closely at the methodology, which can often be sloppy. These are attempts at scientific tests, unfortunately not done by scientists.

In practical terms, we can see for ourselves that SR will enable us to use much slower shutter speeds than we could previously. It is not a panacea. At higher shutter speeds and with moving subjects clearly we might be better off not using SR. It certainly won't stop subject movement.

However, caution regarding the tests linked to. I noticed the phrase "rapid lateral movements" as the test method. I'm not sure that rapid lateral movements are normal camera shake....

The M42 mount was extensively referred to as the "Pentax Screw Mount" so that would not be a problem in itself.

I like these, and they do suit monochrome very well.

I don't know where that comes from. There's a clear 3 stop or more advanatge with SR in the K-5, maybe more. I have taken some shots with incredibly slow speeds where necessary, with really sharp results.

Nothing poor about it.

That's a really good design, very stable.

No, and you're probably right. At one point Chris at SRS was looking into availablity as they were/are available new on the Japanese market, but nothing ever really came of it.

Best wishes to Cliff, get well soon.

Sue gets great results from her Pentax 18-250mm.

The new 18-270mm will no doubt replace it at some future time, when the price has dropped. Based on the Tamron tests published, it may well be an improvement in performance as well as range.

Batteries can be a nightmare in classic cameras. I've so often seen cameras tragically ruined by simply being left with the batteries still installed.

A quote for an overhaul seems a good idea, hope it doesn't prove to be more expensive than buying a good second hand sample.